Crossbow claw storage

ABSTRACT

A crossbow may include a main beam and a claw used to move a bowstring between an un-cocked position and a cocked position. The claw may be placed into a storage condition by engaging one or more storage locations positioned on the bottom side of the main beam.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/268,383, titled Crossbow Claw Storage, filed Feb. 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

I. BACKGROUND A. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to methods and apparatuses related to crossbows and more specifically to methods and apparatuses related to the storage of crossbow claws.

B. Description of Related Art

Crossbows have been used for many years as a weapon for hunting and fishing, and for target shooting. In general, a crossbow includes a main beam and a bow mechanism supported to the main beam. The bow mechanism may have a pair of bow limbs and a bowstring engaged to the bow limbs. Often the bow mechanism has wheels on the bow limbs that receive the bowstring but this is not always the case. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and operable to hold the bowstring and to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow to shoot an arrow or bolt. The bowstring may be movable from an un-cocked position (sometimes referred to as an undrawn position) to a cocked position where the trigger mechanism holds the bowstring (sometimes referred to as a drawn position). This movement of the bowstring is typically referred to as cocking the crossbow, cocking the bow mechanism, and/or cocking the bowstring.

There are many known methods and apparatuses for cocking a bowstring. Some crossbows include a stirrup bracket mounted on the distal end of the crossbow. In such crossbows, the user places the stirrup bracket onto the ground and places a foot in the stirrup bracket. By applying the user's body weight to the grounded stirrup bracket, the user can draw the bowstring into the cocked position. It is also known to provide crossbows with cocking mechanisms. Such cocking mechanisms may include a drawing mechanism that may be operated by rotating an input shaft or pin. In some cases, the input shaft may be rotated by an electric motor, an engine, or the like. In other cases, the input shaft may be rotated manually, such as with a crank. Regardless of the particular drive mechanism used, known cocking mechanisms often include a device that engages the bowstring. Such devices go by different names, but one known name is a claw. The claw is engaged to the bowstring, in the un-cocked position, and the drawing mechanism is then operated to pull the claw, and thus the bowstring, until the bowstring is placed into the cocked position. The claw can then be removed from the bowstring.

An exemplary cocking mechanism is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,128, titled CROSSBOW BOWSTRING DRAWING MECHANISMS (“the '128 patent”). The '128 patent discloses a claw 46 that is moved by a drawing mechanism 22. After the crossbow is cocked, the claw 46 is removed from the bowstring and placed into a storage position. The storage location, as is typical in the art, is on top of the crossbow main beam close behind the location where the bowstring is held in the cocked position. The '128 patent shows the claw storage location with reference 67.

While the claw storage location shown in the '128 patent works well for its intended purposes, it may be desirable to store a claw at one or more other locations. This patent will explain how other claw storage locations for a crossbow may be used.

II. SUMMARY

According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side. A bow mechanism may be supported to the main beam and have: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow. A cocking mechanism may have: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw; and (c) first, second, third and fourth distinct wrap surfaces. The claw may be selectively operable to be placed in: 1) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; 2) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and 3) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The claw may be selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.

According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side; and 9) a second storage location, distinct from the first storage location, positioned on the bottom side. A bow mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may have: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow. A cocking mechanism may have: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw. The claw may be selectively operable to be placed in: 1) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; 2) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and 3) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at one of the first and second storage locations. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The claw may be selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from the cocked condition; to one of: 1) the storage condition at the first storage location; and 2) the storage condition at the second storage location.

According to some embodiments of this invention, a crossbow may include: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side. A bow mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may have: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position. A trigger mechanism may be supported to the main beam and may be selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow. A cocking mechanism may have: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw. The claw may be selectively operable to be placed in: 1) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; 2) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and 3) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location. The drawing mechanism may be selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: 1) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to 2) the cocked condition and the cocked position. The claw may be selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from: 1) the cocked condition; to 2) a position on the top side of the main beam; to 3) a position proximal to the proximal end of the main beam; to 4) a position on the bottom side of the main beam; to 5) the storage condition.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present subject matter may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a right side view of a crossbow according to some embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of the crossbow shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a close-up right side view of a crossbow with the bowstring in the cocked position.

FIG. 4 is an assembly drawing of a trigger mechanism according to some embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a trigger mechanism and a claw.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of a claw in a storage condition on the bottom of the crossbow main beam with some parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 7 is a first side view inside a winch housing with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 8 is a second side view, opposite the first side view shown in FIG. 7 , inside the winch housing with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of the winch shown the housing/wrap surfaces.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a crank handle.

FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of a claw.

FIG. 12 is a top view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a top view of a claw showing the cord portions being received on spools with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 14 is a perspective bottom view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 16 is a side view of the claw shown in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing how the claw may engage the main beam.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing how the claw may be placed into a storage condition on the main beam.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a cord portion.

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the claw in a storage condition on the main beam.

FIG. 22 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 23 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 24 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 25 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 26 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

FIG. 27 is a right side view of a claw and cord portion engaged to a winch with parts removed for clarity.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present subject matter only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components, FIGS. 1-2 show a crossbow 10 that may have claw storage capabilities according to some embodiments of this invention. It should be understood that any crossbow having a bowstring that is movable from an un-cocked position to a cocked position using a claw chosen with the sound judgement of a person of skill in the art will work with embodiments of this invention. Non-limiting examples of crossbow types that work with this invention include: Recurve Crossbows, Compound Crossbows, Rifle Crossbows, and Reverse Draw Crossbows.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3 , the crossbow 10 may have a main beam 12 extending longitudinally from a proximal end 26 to a distal end 28. The main beam 12 may define a right lateral side 23, a left lateral side 25, a top side 27 and a bottom side 29. An arrow receiving surface 24 may be adapted to receive an arrow/bolt (not shown). In some embodiments, shown also in FIG. 17 , the arrow receiving surface 24 maybe a groove. While the arrow receiving surface may be of any type and in any position chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art, for the embodiment shown the arrow receiving surface 24 may be a groove formed on the top side 27 of the main beam 12. In some embodiments the main beam 12 may include a buttstock 36 at the proximal end 26. The main beam 12 may include one or more storage locations as will be discussed further below. In some embodiments one or more of the storage locations may be positioned on the bottom of the main beam 12. In some embodiments one or more of the storage locations may be positioned on the bottom of the buttstock 36. The crossbow 10 may include a bow mechanism 14 supported to the main beam 12. The bow mechanism 14 may include a pair of outwardly extending bow limbs 16, 16 extending transversely from opposite lateral sides 23, 25 of the main beam 12 and a bowstring 18 operatively engaged to the bow limbs 16. The bowstring 18 may be movable from an un-cocked position (shown in FIGS. 1-2 ) to a cocked position (shown in FIG. 3 ). The bow mechanism 14 may be supported directly to the main beam 12 or may be, in the embodiments shown, supported to the main beam 12 via a riser 20 (seen best in FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, wheels 22, 22 (which may be pulleys, cams, or the like) may be pivotally supported to the bow limbs 16, 16, respectively, as shown. The bowstring 18 may be operatively engaged to the wheels 22, 22. As the general operation of main beams and bow mechanisms on crossbows is well known to those of skill in the art, further details will not be provided here.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-5 , the crossbow 10 may have a trigger mechanism 60 supported to the main beam 12 and selectively operable to hold the bowstring 18 in the cocked position and to release the bowstring 18 to fire the crossbow 10. Any trigger mechanism 60 chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art, may be used with this invention. For the embodiments shown, the trigger mechanism 60 is similar to the trigger mechanism shown in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 11,002,505, titled DE-COCK MECHANISM FOR A CROSSBOW (“the '505 patent”), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Because a full description of the operation of the trigger mechanism is disclosed in the '505 patent, details will not be provided here. Instead, some of the primary components will be listed and only a brief description of operation will be provided.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-5 , the trigger mechanism 60 may include a housing 400, a string latch 402, a trigger link 404, a trigger 408 and one or more trigger interconnecting members 406 that operatively interconnect the trigger 66 with the trigger link 64. The trigger 66 may be operated in a known manner to fire the crossbow 10. A dry-fire inhibitor mechanism may include a dry-fire link 410. A de-cock mechanism may include a de-cock link 412, a de-cock activator 414 and a de-cock lock 416. A safety mechanism may include a safety activator 418 and a safety lock 420. A reset activator 422 may be selectively operated to adjust the position of the de-cock activator 414 and the safety activator 418. The trigger mechanism 60 may include an arrow retention brush 500 seen best in FIG. 5 and used as well known to those of skill in the art.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, 5-6 and 9 , the crossbow 10 may include a cocking mechanism adapted to be used by an associated user to move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position. While embodiments of a cocking mechanism are shown and will be described, it should be understood that any cocking mechanism chosen with the sound judgement of a person of skill in the art will work with embodiments of this invention. The cocking mechanism 30 shown may include a claw 32 adapted to engage the bowstring 18 and a drawing mechanism 34 adapted to move the claw 32 along the main beam 12 and thereby move the bowstring 18 from the un-cocked position to the cocked position. The drawing mechanism 34 may include a winch 600 chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. For the embodiment shown, the winch 600 is similar to the winch shown in co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/314,780, titled CROSSBOW WITH WINCH (“the '780 application”), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Because a full description of the operation of the winch is disclosed in the '780 application, details will not be provided here. Instead, some of the primary components will be listed and only a brief description of operation will be provided.

With reference now to FIGS. 2, 6-9 and 13 , the winch 600 may include a winch housing 602 supported to the main beam 12. In some embodiments the winch housing 602 is supported to the buttstock 36. The winch 600 may include a pair of spools 604, 604 engaged to a spool shaft 700. Later to be described cord portions may be selectively wrappable onto and off of the spools 604, 604. As used herein, and unless otherwise noted, to “spool in” is to wrap the cord portions onto/around the spools 604, 604 and to “spool out” is to unwrap the cord portions off of the spools 604, 604. One spool 604 may be positioned on the right lateral side 23 of the main beam 12 and the other spool 604 may be positioned on the left lateral side 25, as seen in FIG. 13 . A spool gear 702 may also be engaged on the spool shaft 700. Rotation of the spoil gear 702 may cause rotation of the spool shaft 700 which may cause the spools 604, 604 to rotate. Spool shaft 700 may rotate about spool shaft axis 804. A drive gear 704 may engage a drive shaft 800 and may have gear teeth that engage gear teeth on the spool gear 702. The drive shaft 800 may include threads that engage threads on a receiver 708.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-10 , the winch 600 may include a clutch gear assembly 710 that may be operatively engaged with the drive gear 704 to permit free rotation of the drive gear 704 in a first direction of rotation but to permit only damped rotation in a second direction of rotation opposite that of the first direction of rotation. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the clutch gear assembly 710 may be operatively engaged with the drive gear 704 to permit free rotation of the drive gear 704 in the spool in direction, but to permit only damped rotation in the spool out direction opposite that of the spool in direction. The clutch gear assembly 710 may include a plate gear 712, which may be a pressure plate gear. The plate gear 712 may be selectively rotatable with respect to the winch housing 602. Because the receiver 708 is threadedly engaged with threads on the drive shaft 800, the components between the receiver 708 and the drive shaft 800 may be compressed together with a compressive load adjustable by changing the amount of threaded engagement between the receiver 708 and the drive shaft 800. A manually rotatable crank handle, chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art, may be used to rotate the receiver 708. Crank handle 1000 shown in FIG. 10 , is one non-limiting example. Crank handle 1000 has a grip 1002 and a drive connection 1004 interconnected by an elongated lever 1006. The drive connection 1004 may be a square drive or other drive connection chosen with sound engineering judgment. The drive connection 1004 may include a ball adapted to engage a detent in a part adapted to mate therewith such as, without limitation, the receiver 708.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-9 , the clutch gear assembly 710 may include a brake gear 714 selectively rotatable about a brake shaft 716 and a one way bearing 718 received on the brake shaft 716. Flats on the brake shaft 716 may engage with corresponding flats in the winch housing 602 to prevent or impede rotation of the brake shaft 716 with respect to the winch housing 602. The brake gear 714 may be operatively engaged with the one way bearing 718 so that both the one way bearing 718 and the brake gear 714 are free to rotate in a first direction, the spool in direction, but do not rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction, the spool out direction. Brake gear teeth may engage plate gear teeth with the result being that the plate gear 712 is free to rotate in the spool in direction but is locked by the engaged brake gear 714 from rotating in the spool out direction.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 6-9 , the winch 600 may include a spiral spring 802 having a radially inward end engaged to the spool shaft 700 and a radially outward end that operatively engages a surface within the spool housing 602. As a result, the spiral spring 802 may bias the spool shaft 700 to rotate in the spool out direction. In some embodiments, the winch 600 is pawl-less. This means that it does not include a pawl. Pawls, as is well known to those of skill in the art, create an undesirable sound when they are operated. The winch 600 in some embodiments of this invention, does not create the undesirable pawl sound as no pawl is used.

With reference now to FIGS. 2-3, 5-6 and 11-18 , the claw 32 may have a proximal end 1100, a distal end 1102, a first lateral side 1200, a second lateral side 1202, a top side 1600 and a bottom side 1602. For the embodiments shown, the first lateral side 1200 is a right lateral side and the second lateral side 1106 is a left lateral side. The claw 32 may have any shape and size chosen with the sound judgement of a person of skill in the art. For the embodiments shown, the claw 32 is generally U-shaped having a first leg 1104, a second leg 1106 and a mid-portion 1108 that interconnects the first and second legs 1104, 1106. The claw 32 may also have a bowstring engagement surface 1400 adapted to engage the bowstring 18. The bowstring engagement surface 1400 may be positioned on the first and second legs 1104, 1106 as shown in FIG. 14 . FIG. 2 shows the claw 32 engaging the bowstring 18 in the un-cocked condition and FIG. 3 shows the claw 32 engaging the bowstring 18 in the cocked condition.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 2-3, 5-6 and 11-18 , the claw 32 may have one or more main beam engagement surfaces adapted to engage the main beam 12 when the crossbow is cocked and de-cocked. FIG. 17 shows some embodiments of how the claw 32 may engage the main beam 12. The main beam engagement surfaces may be positioned on the bottom side 1602 and may include an extension 1700 adapted to be received within the arrow receiving surface 24. The claw 32 may also have a claw storage surface 1402. The claw storage surface 1402 may be of any type or shape chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the claw storage surface 1402 is concave shaped. In other embodiments, shown, the claw storage surface 1402 is convex shaped. The claw storage surface 1402 may be positioned on the claw 32 at any location chosen with the sound judgment or person of skilled the art. For the embodiments shown, the claw storage surface 1402 is positioned on the mid-portion 1108 of the claw 32.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, 5, 9, 11-17 and 19 , the drawing mechanism 34 may include a first cord portion 200 extending on the right lateral side 23 of the main beam 18 and operatively engaged to the first lateral side 1200 of the claw 32 and a second cord portion 202 extending on the left lateral side 25 of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side 1202 of the claw 32. In some embodiments, the first cord portion 200 is a first end of a single continuous cord and the second cord portion 202 is a second end of the single continuous cord. For this embodiment, the single continuous cord may be given reference number 206. The first and second cord portions 200, 202 whether separate or as a single continuous cord, may have a rectangular cross section with a width W and a thickness T. In some embodiments the width W and thickness T are the same for both core portions 200, 202. In alternate embodiments, they are not the same. The ratio W/T, in some embodiments, is at least 3.0.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1-3, 5, 9, 11-17 and 19 , proximal ends of the first and second cord portions 200, 202 may be operatively engaged with the spools 604, 604 such that rotation of the spools 604, 604 causes the first and second cord portions 200, 202 to selectively wrap onto and off of the spools 604, 604. Thus, the surfaces of the spools 604, 604 that receive the cord portions can be thought of as wrap surfaces. As shown and as is typical with spools, the spool wrap surfaces are cylindrical and thus are arc shaped. Winch housing 602 may have openings to receive the cord portions. FIG. 9 shows such an opening 904. A similar opening may be provided on the other lateral side of the crossbow. One or more guides 606 (two shown) may be provided near the opening 904 to physically contact and guide the cord portions as they enter and exit the winch housing 602. As described below, when the claw 32 is moved into the storage condition, the cord portions may be wrapped around the winch housing 602. Thus, the surfaces 910 of the housing 602 that are contacted by the cord portions can also be thought of as wrap surfaces. Note that the housing/wrap surfaces 910 are at least partially arc shaped.

With reference now to FIGS. 1, 6, 9, 14, 18 and 20-21 , the main beam 12 may include one or more storage locations positioned on the bottom of the main beam 12 in any manner chosen with the sound judgment of a person of skill in the art. FIG. 9 , for example, shows two storage locations 900 and 902 positioned on the buttstock 36. In some embodiments only one storage location is provided. FIG. 18 , for example, includes only storage location 900. FIG. 20 , alternatively, includes only storage location 902. For the embodiments shown, the storage locations are positioned below the spool shaft axis 804. Storage location 900 is positioned proximally of the spool shaft axis 804 whereas storage location 902 is positioned distally of the spool shaft axis 804. Each storage locations 900, 902 may include a main beam storage surface 906, 908 respectively, to engage the claw storage surface 1402 of the claw 32. Thus, if the claw storage surface 1402 is concave shaped, then the main beam storage surface(s) may be convex shaped and designed to receive the claw 32 for stable storage. If, as with the embodiments shown, the claw storage surface 1402 is convex shaped, then the main beam storage surface(s) may be concave shaped.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, 5-6, 9, 13-14 and 21-27 , operation of the crossbow 10, especially considering claw 32 storage, will now be described. Immediately after the crossbow 10 is fired, the claw 32 would be positioned as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . If desired, the user may then place the claw 32 into a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface 1400 does not engage the bowstring 18 and the claw 32 is supported to the bottom side of the main beam 12, as shown for example in FIGS. 6 and 21 . This movement begins by moving the claw 32 distally from the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 beyond the trigger mechanism 60, railing 40 and any objects that might be supported to the railing such as, for a non-limiting example, a scope 42. The claw 32 may then be lifted upward above the railing 40 and objects and then moved proximally to the position shown in FIG. 22 . The remaining claw 32 motion is depicted sequentially in FIGS. 22-27 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap off of the spools 604 and wrap onto the housing/wrap surfaces 910. To secure the claw 32 to the main beam 12 in the storage condition, the claw storage surface 1402 of the claw 32, may be engaged to the main beam storage surface. If the crossbow 12 includes two or more storage locations, such as locations 900 and 902 shown in FIG. 9 , then the user may choose the storage location to be used and thus the main beam storage surface to be used.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, 5-6, 9, 14 and 21-27 , if the claw 32 is in the storage condition (such as shown in FIGS. 6 and 21 ) and the user wants to move the bowstring 18 from in the un-cocked position to the cocked position, the user may move the claw 32 from the storage condition to the position, such as shown in FIGS. 6, 21 and 27 , to the position shown in FIG. 22 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap off of the housing/wrap surfaces 910 and onto the spools 604, 604. This may occur by viewing sequentially FIGS. 27, 26, 25, 24, 23 and 22 . Next, the user may place the claw 32 into the un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface 1400 engages the bowstring 18 and the bowstring 18 is in the un-cocked position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may unwrap off of the spools 604, 604. The drawing mechanism 34 can then be operated, such as by rotating receiver 708, to move the claw 32 into the cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface 1400 engages the bowstring 18 and the bowstring 18 is in the cocked position, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 . During this movement of the claw 32, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap onto the spools 604, 604.

The amount of wrap and unwrap on the rap surfaces may vary. In some embodiments, the cord portions wrap/unwrap at least 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the cord portions wrap/unwrap at least 180 degrees. For example, if storage location 900 is used, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap about 180 degrees around the housing rap surface 910. In some embodiments, the cord portions wrap/unwrap about 360 degrees. For example, if storage location 902 is used, the cord portions 200, 202 may wrap/unwrap about 360 degrees around the housing rap surface 910.

Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods and apparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of the present subject matter. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed: 

I/We claim:
 1. A crossbow comprising: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side; a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and a cocking mechanism having: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw; and (c) first, second, third and fourth distinct wrap surfaces; wherein: 1) the claw is selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location; 2) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; 3) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to: (a) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (i) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (ii) the cocked condition and the cocked position; (b) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (i) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (ii) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 4) the claw is selectively operable to: (a) wrap at least part of the first cord portion onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (i) the cocked condition; to (ii) the storage condition; and (b) wrap at least part of the second cord portion onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (i) the cocked condition; to (ii) the storage condition.
 2. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein: each of the first, second, third and fourth distinct wrap surfaces are each at least partially arc shaped; the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and the claw is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 90 degrees onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.
 3. The crossbow of claim 2 wherein: the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the first wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the second wrap surface when the cocking mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and the claw is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion at least 180 degrees onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.
 4. The crossbow of claim 3 wherein: the claw is selectively operable to: 1) wrap at least part of the first cord portion about 360 degrees onto the third wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition; and 2) wrap at least part of the second cord portion about 360 degrees onto the fourth wrap surface when the claw is selectively moved from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) the storage condition.
 5. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein: the drawing mechanism comprises a housing supported to the main beam; the first wrap surface comprises a first spool positioned: 1) on the right lateral side of the main beam; and 2) within the housing; the second wrap surface comprises a second spool, distinct from the first spool, positioned: 1) on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 2) within the housing; the third wrap surface is positioned: 1) on the right lateral side of the main beam; and 2) on an outer surface of the housing; and the fourth wrap surface is positioned: 1) on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 2) on an outer surface of the housing.
 6. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein: the first wrap surface comprises a first spool positioned on the right lateral side of the main beam; the second wrap surface comprises a second spool, distinct from the first spool, positioned on the left lateral side of the main beam; the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis; the first storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) proximal to the spool shaft axis; the main beam has a second storage location: 1) distinct from the first storage location; 2) positioned on the bottom side of the main beam; 3) positioned below the spool shaft axis; and 4) positioned distally of the spool shaft axis; and the claw is selectively operable to be placed in the storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the second storage location.
 7. The crossbow of claim 1 wherein when the claw is moved from the cocked condition to the storage condition: at least a portion of the first cord portion unwraps from the first wrap surface; and at least a portion of the second cord portion unwraps from the second wrap surface.
 8. A crossbow comprising: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side; and 9) a second storage location, distinct from the first storage location, positioned on the bottom side; a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and a cocking mechanism having: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw; wherein: 1) the claw is selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at one of the first and second storage locations; 2) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 3) the claw is selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from the cocked condition; to one of: (a) the storage condition at the first storage location; and (b) the storage condition at the second storage location.
 9. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein: the drawing mechanism includes: 1) a first spool upon which the first cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; 2) a second spool upon which the second cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis; the first storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) proximal to the spool shaft axis; and the second storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) distal to the spool shaft axis.
 10. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein: the drawing mechanism includes: 1) a first spool upon which the first cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 2) a second spool upon which the second cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis; when the claw is in the storage condition at the first storage location: 1) a portion of the claw is positioned above the spool shaft axis; and 2) a portion of the claw is positioned below the spool shaft axis; and when the claw is in the storage condition at the second storage location: 1) a portion of the claw is positioned above the spool shaft axis; and 2) a portion of the claw is positioned below the spool shaft axis.
 11. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein: the first storage location has a main beam storage surface that is concave shaped; the second storage location has a main beam storage surface that is concave shaped; and the claw has a claw storage surface that is convex shaped and adapted to be selectively engaged to the concave shaped storage surfaces of both the first storage location and the second storage location.
 12. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein: the first cord portion is a first end of a single continuous cord and the second cord portion is a second end of the single continuous cord.
 13. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein: the first cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W1 and a thickness T1; the second cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W2 and a thickness T2; the ratio W1/T1 is at least 3.0; and the ratio W2/T2 is at least 3.0.
 14. The crossbow of claim 8 wherein: the claw is generally U-shaped having: 1) a first leg; 2) a second leg; and 3) a mid-portion that interconnects the first and second legs; the first and second storage locations have a main beam storage surface that is one of a concave and a convex surface; the claw has a claw storage surface that is the other of a concave and a convex surface; the claw storage surface engages the first and second storage locations to place the claw into the storage condition; and the claw storage surface is positioned on the mid-portion of the claw.
 15. A crossbow comprising: a main beam extending longitudinally and having: 1) a proximal end; 2) a distal end opposite the proximal end; 3) a right lateral side; 4) a left lateral side opposite the right lateral side; 5) a top side; 6) a bottom side opposite the top side; 7) an arrow receiving surface adapted to receive an associated arrow; and 8) a first storage location positioned on the bottom side; a bow mechanism supported to the main beam and having: 1) a first limb extending on the right lateral side of the main beam; 2) a second limb extending on the left lateral side of the main beam; and 3) a bowstring operatively engaged to the first and second bow limbs and selectively movable between: (a) an un-cocked position; and (b) a cocked position; a trigger mechanism supported to the main beam and selectively operable: 1) to hold the bowstring in the cocked position; and 2) to release the bowstring to fire the crossbow; and a cocking mechanism having: 1) a claw having: (a) a first lateral side; (b) a second lateral side opposite the first side; and (c) a bowstring engagement surface; and 2) a drawing mechanism having: (a) a first cord portion extendable on the right lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the first lateral side of the claw; and (b) a second cord portion extendable on the left lateral side of the main beam and operatively engaged to the second lateral side of the claw; wherein: 1) the claw is selectively operable to be placed in: (a) an un-cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the un-cocked position; (b) a cocked condition where the bowstring engagement surface engages the bowstring and the bowstring is in the cocked position; and (c) a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at the first storage location; 2) the drawing mechanism is selectively operable to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; and 3) the claw is selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) a position on the top side of the main beam; to (c) a position proximal to the proximal end of the main beam; to (d) a position on the bottom side of the main beam; to (e) the storage condition.
 16. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein: the drawing mechanism includes: 1) a first spool upon which the first cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; 2) a second spool upon which the second cord portion wraps when the drawing mechanism is selectively operated to move the claw and the bowstring, respectively, from: (a) the un-cocked condition and the un-cocked position; to (b) the cocked condition and the cocked position; the first and second spools are engaged to a spool shaft having a spool shaft axis; and the first storage location is positioned: 1) below the spool shaft axis; and 2) proximal to the spool shaft axis.
 17. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein: the main beam has a second storage location positioned on the bottom side, distinct from the first storage location; the claw is selectively operable to be placed in a storage condition where the bowstring engagement surface does not engage the bowstring and the claw is supported to the main beam at one of the first and second storage locations; the claw is selectively movable while remaining operatively engaged to the first and second cord portions from: (a) the cocked condition; to (b) a position on the top side of the main beam; to (c) a position proximal to the proximal end of the main beam; to (d) a position on the bottom side of the main beam; to (e) the storage condition at the second storage location.
 18. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein: the first cord portion is a first end of a single continuous cord and the second cord portion is a second end of the single continuous cord.
 19. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein: the first cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W1 and a thickness T1; the second cord portion has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width W2 and a thickness T2; the ratio W1/T1 is at least 3.0; and the ratio W2/T2 is at least 3.0.
 20. The crossbow of claim 15 wherein: the claw is generally U-shaped having: 1) a first leg; 2) a second leg; and 3) a mid-portion that interconnects the first and second legs; the first storage location has a main beam storage surface that is one of a concave and a convex surface; the claw has a claw storage surface that is the other of a concave and a convex surface; the claw storage surface engages the main beam storage surface to place the claw into the storage condition; and the claw storage surface is positioned on the mid-portion of the claw. 